Gray clouds and rain showers failed to dampen the enthusiasm and excitement of twenty-seven (27) CES eligibles who enrolled in Session XXIX of the Integrated Gabay ng Paglilingkod (IGP) Training Course under the CESB’s Leadership and Management Proficiency (LAMP) Program which was held from 19 to 29 July 2017. This marked the return of IGP-LAMP to Dumaguete City, Negros OrientaL where Session XX was conducted in October 2014.

Session XXIX started with a new IGP-LAMP module - Privacy and Data Protection Essentials for Public Sector Officials, anchored by Dr. Emmanuel C. Lallana. In his lecture, Dr. Lallana defined data privacy and emphasized its importance in a citizen-centric democracy. He explained the principles, objectives and key elements of Republic Act (RA) No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012) enacted to protect, safeguard and conserve private data from theft, loss and inadvertent and or unsolicited usage for criminal purposes. He cited the value and uses of data privacy in clarifying and maintaining social boundaries and stabilizing social order. In another new module - Social Media in Governance, Dr. Lallana reminded the learners of the roles and duties in the proper and responsible uses of social media, and its strategic importance and key contributions to transparent and accountable governance.

Mr. Alexander M. Arevalo, another information and communications technology (ICT) expert, facilitated the module on ICT Essentials for Public Managers using an intriguing and novel interplay of music, lights and color, and the creative use of different toys and electronic gadgets. The use of unique instructional tools, various media and innovative presentation techniques created a powerful and captivating learning milieu and made the module a “fun learning journey” according to the learners. The module stressed the primary importance of and simplified diverse approaches in harnessing ICT as a key driver in leading and managing change in any organization to achieve effectiveness and a positive impact on stakeholders and the environment.

The module on Philippine Governance and Strategic Public Management, delivered by CESB Executive Director Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones, provided a broad overview of the key concepts, systems, applied principles, institutional mechanisms and processes in public management. An incisive, analytical and ethical appreciation of the major challenges, issues, needs and concerns in public governance confronting executives as experts, leaders and managers was tested through the “Traffic Gridlock” game. One learner remarked, “It was a very informative and meaningful presentation of why government exists and how it works”.

Mr. John J. Macasio, another ICT expert handled the module on ICT Project Management. He stressed the primary importance and strategic role of ICT in crafting the directions and roadmap for development which requires the symbiotic interconnection of three elements essential for any organization’s success - people, processes and technology.

Undersecretary Tina Rose Marie L. Canda of the Department of Budget and Management gave a clear and detailed picture of the key elements, framework and environment of the public budgeting process in the module entitled Budget 101: Public Finance Policies, Systems and Laws for Public Managers. She explained the phases of budget preparation and budget execution which deepened the learners’ appreciation of prudent resource management, transparency and accountability as pillars of public management.

Exec. Dir. Arthur Luis P. Florentin of the Civil Service Institute discussed the module on Institutionalizing Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM). He guided learners on why and how to develop, institutionalize and harness the development potentials of strategic HRM systems in the government. He also clarified the roles, functions and responsibilities of leaders in the formulation, execution and continuous development of an organization’s HRM policies, strategies and plans.

Other IGP-XXIX faculty members who handled other course modules included Dr. Orlando S. Mercado, Secretary General of the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA), who delivered the module on Appreciating the Public Policy Process. In the module, he lectured on the essential elements and processes in crafting, implementing and evaluating public policies.

Atty. Ariel G. Ronquillo, Assistant Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, broadened the learners’ knowledge and appreciation of the legal and ethical foundations of the administrative justice system, disciplinary procedures and actions, and administrative penalties and sanction in the module on Administrative Justice Systems.

Atty. Dennis S. Santiago, Executive Director of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), handled the module on Understanding Public Finance and Procurement Laws, Rules and Systems. Through the module, learners enhanced their working knowledge of the various laws, requirements, mechanics and processes governing the public procurement system.

Deputy Exec. Dir. Eleazar E. Ricote of the Public-Private Partnership Center discussed the policy and program framework, modalities, systems and essential requisites for harnessing public-private sector partnerships as a creative, responsive and viable approach and tool for pursuing development in the module on Public-Private Community Partnership.

The Community Engagement Module (CEM) commenced with a lecture-discussion by Mr. Rafael L. Coscolluela, former Governor of the Province of Negros Occidental, former Board Chair, and current Trustee of the Gawad Galing Pook Awards Foundation. He explained the goals, standards, criteria, requirements, and the documentation, evaluation and validation processes governing the nomination until the conferment stages of the Gawad Galing Pook Awards. He discussed actual case studies of awarded programs and facilitated the sharing of lessons, insights, issues and concerns regarding replicability, customization, institutionalization, sustainability and the re-invention of innovations. The session prepared learners in designing, conducting and completing field evaluation research studies which examined and assessed strategic award-winning innovations in leadership, governance and development, i.e., the Dumaguete City Septage Management System Project. The project was honored with the 2012 Gawad Galing Pook Award for Outstanding Local Governance Program in Health and Sanitation.

Sharing stories of hope through inspiring innovations. Learners are mentored by Gawad Galing Pook Awards Foundation Chairman Rafael L. Coscolluela on how to champion and create a culture of inclusive, meaningful and sustainable innovation in the organization.